AP File PhotoFormer University of Tennessee receiver Justin Hunter is a big receiver with excellent speed and leaping ability.

The Detroit Lions hosted former University of Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter for a pre-draft visit on Thursday, the first of the team's 30 allotted visits.

Hunter is one of the top prospects at his position and likely to be selected in the first two rounds this April. He's a big receiver, measuring in at 6-foot-4, 196 pounds, and he displayed good speed and leaping ability at the scouting combine last month.

Hunter ran a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash and posted the best numbers in both the broad (136 inches) and vertical (39.5 inches) jumps at his position.

After tearing his ACL as a sophomore, Hunter returned and had great success as a junior in 2012. He finished last season with 73 receptions for 1,083 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Lions are in need of help at the wide receiver position, particularly someone with Hunter's size. The team currently has Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Ryan Broyles, Mike Thomas, Devin Thomas and Brian Robiskie under contract. Both Burleson (broken leg) and Broyles (ACL) are recovering from serious injuries and may not be 100 percent for the start of the regular season.